LAHORE: The two-day Dawn Sarsabz Agri Expo concluded here on Friday, with thousands of farmers, academicians, policymakers, businessmen, researchers, representatives of non-government organisations and experts thronging to the venue.

The event, which was open to public, showcased latest technologies, highlighted initiatives to modernise the sector, improve value chains and market access, increase yields and income for farmers and ensure agricultural sustainability in the country.

The USAID, which had set up a pavilion representing all its projects in Pakistan, demonstrated how it helped increase employment and incomes in the sector. And how it introduced advanced farming technologies, services, and practices; built additional irrigation infrastructure; and introduced improved water management practices.

It claimed to have increased exports by $52 million, increased sales by $127 million, and leveraged $11 million in new investments in the last five years in Pakistan.

Saad Akbar Khan of the Ali Akbar Group was of the opinion that though such exhibitions could only be appreciated because they are rare in the sector, there is a need to expand them to rural areas as well.

“The information, which was available both in written and spoken words during the conference and exhibition, should spread to rural areas. The sector suffers severe information and awareness deficit, particularly in rural areas. Ways should be found to take this information, or these events, to farmers, closer to their fields,” he suggested.

Dr Jalal Arif of the Agriculture University, Faisalabad, thought that the sector needed such serious and consistent effort for improvement. “It is first effort of its kind and provides a vibrant platform to all stakeholders to put their heads together for finding solution to the problems that afflict the sector. The heavy presence of policymakers only lends credence to the forum and brightens the chances of problems, which are highlighted here, to get solved. The sector needs such efforts, more of them thick and fast,” he concluded.

Ms Asma of Quetta, a practicing farmer, said: “My province had always had some kind of, albeit limited, agriculture going on for centuries. The only thing it was lacking, especially for female farmers, was marketing – due to social set-up of the province. Such forums, where other female farmers also participate, only encourage our male members to let their female folks participate in economic activity. That is how and why we have been allowed to travel all the way from Quetta to Lahore to participate in the event. It is an encouraging sign, at least for province like Balochistan. It all happened because we were able to market our produce and supplement our family income.”

The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences had also put up its stall and remained an attraction for livestock farmers.

All big farmer organisations – Kissan Board Pakistan, Farmers Associates Pakistan, Basmati Growers Association, Livestock Farmers Association and Guava Growers Association – had set up their stalls, educating farmers on new techniques. Two technical sessions on tunnel farming and farm productivity also added to farmers’ education on Friday.

Published in Dawn March 21st , 2015

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